Top Tools & Guides

Antibiotic Toxicity in Guinea Pigs

3 min read

Allergic Effects Of Antibiotics on Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are very sensitive to the effects of antibiotics and often their administration can lead to toxic effects. One of the possible complications that follow the administration of antibiotics is an upset in the balance of the beneficial bacteria that normally live in the guinea pig's intestines, which in some cases can lead to more severe disease conditions than the original condition that was being treated. Prior underlying conditions, such as inadequate nutrition and vitamin C deficiency, can also make your guinea pig more likely to develop problems associated with antibiotics.

In general, you should avoid giving your guinea pig any antibiotics unless you have been specifically directed to do so by a veterinarian that is familiar with your guinea pig and its health history. If your guinea pig must take antibiotics, you will need to monitor its health carefully to avoid any complications from arising. Antibiotics are generally administered orally to guinea pigs rather than in an injection form.

Symptoms

Depending on the type of antibiotic, typicaly adverse reactions seen in guinea pigs include diarrhea, loss of appetite, dehydration, and/or a dangerous drop in body temperature. If the antibiotic treatment continues, the reaction may worsen and result in the guinea pig's death in less than a week. It is also important to note that even guinea pigs that do not show symptoms of antibiotic toxicity may die suddenly.

Causes

Many antibiotics, including penicillin, ampicillin, lincomycin, clindamycin, vancomycin, erythromycin, tylosin, tetracycline, and chlortetracycline can upset the balance of the beneficial bacteria that usually live in the guinea pig's intestines, creating an environment in which an opportunistic “bad” bacteria can take hold in the intestines. Two of the most common antibiotics that adversely affect guinea pigs are streptomycin and dihydrostreptomycin. Topical antibiotic ointments (i.e., those used on the skin) can also be toxic if the guinea pig licks and ingests the ointment.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian can diagnose antibiotic toxicity in your pet by examining the guinea pig and testing its feces.